LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Sept. 2, 2010) – Jeff Galloway, one of America’s foremost marathon trainers, has been named the official training consultant to Disney’s series of endurance events, which has been rebranded runDisney.

Galloway, a 1972 Olympian and founder of the popular Galloway Marathon Training Program, will offer his running and training expertise to beginners as well as experienced runners, helping runners of all ages lead more active lifestyles. Galloway’s unique training methods and tips will be available to runners through online runDisney videos and programs, as well as through special Galloway appearances at all runDisney events.

The runDisney brand brings together all four current Disney marathon and half marathon weekends to create a unique series of destination races that offer one-of-a-kind running experiences for the more than 75,000 people who compete in runDisney events annually. All runDisney events feature various races through Disney theme parks, signature Disney characters and entertainment, first-class event management and exclusive race medals. The upcoming lineup of runDisney events include the Disneyland Half Marathon (September), Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon (October), the Walt Disney World Marathon presented by CIGNA (January) and Disney’s Princess Half Marathon presented by Lady Foot Locker (February).

The new runDisney brand also includes a new website, rundisney.com, which will provide runners with a wealth of running-related information and content, from Galloway training videos to endurance tips to complete runDisney event information. Additionally, newly launched facebook.com/rundisney will provide opportunities for the endurance community to connect and interact with runDisney.

“The runDisney brand greater aligns our incredible collection of race weekends, which are designed as destination events offering family fun for runners of all ages and levels,” said Faron Kelley, director of Marketing, Disney Sports. “And now with access to Jeff Galloway, those runners will be able to enhance their running experience at Disney, which we hope will lead them to live healthier and more active lives.”

Galloway, who has completed all 17 Walt Disney World Marathons, is well known around the world for his highly successful Run-Walk-Run method to improve performance and avoid injuries. He is a member of the Road Runners Club of America Hall of Fame as well as the Westminster School Hall of Fame, and has a bronze bust in the Nike Walk of Fame in Oregon.

A renowned authority on endurance training, Galloway is a best-selling author and a regular columnist for Runner’s World magazine. In his four decades of endurance training, he has coached more than 200,000 runners and walkers, and helped stage hundreds of races, events and clinics throughout the United States and internationally.

“The runDisney events are widely respected and are all favorites among runners everywhere,” Galloway said. “I’m really excited about working with Disney to help the beginners get started, to push the experienced runners to improve their performance and to help everyone at runDisney events have even more fun.”

About runDisney

The runDisney series is a collection of marathon and half marathon event weekends that provide runners unique opportunities to run through Disney theme parks. Race participants also get to earn Disney-themed medals, experience legendary Disney entertainment and guest service, and ultimately celebrate their accomplishments with a Disney vacation. The original event in the series, the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend presented by CIGNA, takes place each January and features both marathon and half marathon distances. Other races at Walt Disney World in Florida include Disney’s Princess Half Marathon presented by Lady Foot Locker in February and the new Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon in October. The Disneyland Half Marathon takes place each September in California. More than 75,000 people participate in runDisney events each year. For more information visit rundisney.com.